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The
Lynas refinery in Malaysia, its first outside China producing
minerals that are crucial for high-tech manufacturing, has been
operating in central Pahang state since 2012. The company has
been e mbroiled in a dispute over radiation from waste that has
accumulated at the plant.
Science Minister Chang Lih Kang said Monday that any radioactive
waste generated within the next five years must be treated and
neutralized by extracting thorium or other methods. No new
permanent disposal facility will be allowed, he said.
The license runs until March 3, 2036, and will be reviewed after
five years. It can be revoked if Lynas violates its conditions,
Chang said.
Environmental groups have long campaigned against the Lynas
refinery, demanding that the company export its radioactive
waste. They contend that the radioactive elements, which include
thorium and uranium among others, were more hazardous after
going through mechanical and chemical processes.
Lynas was allowed five years to retrofit its facilities and ramp
up operations under Chang described as a firm but accelerated
timeline. He said lab tests have shown promising results in
neutralizing radiation in waste through thorium extraction but
scaling the technology to industrial levels typically takes
seven to 10 years.
“We have not gone against our promise to prevent the
accumulation of radioactive waste in Malaysia. We remain
committed to that position, and through this license renewal, we
aim to fully achieve this goal by 2031,” Chang said in a
statement.
Chang said the license was granted after a thorough technical
evaluation, taking into consideration Malaysia's strategic
interests and commitments from Lynas. Existing radioactive waste
will be stored in a permanent disposal facility still under
construction. It is due to be ready by the year's end.
Rare earths are 17 minerals used to make products such as
electric or hybrid vehicles, weapons, flat-screen TVs, mobile
phones, mercury-vapor lights and camera lenses. China has about
a third of the world’s rare earth reserves but a near monopoly
on supplies. Lynas has said its refinery could meet nearly a
third of world demand for rare earths, excluding China.
The only other rare earths refinery in Malaysia — operated by
Japan’s Mitsubishi Group in northern Perak state — closed in
1992 following protests and claims that it contributed to birth
defects and leukemia among residents. It is one of Asia’s
largest radioactive waste cleanup sites.
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